About Enterprise M3

ENTERPRISE M3 LEP drives the economic growth of the area by working with businesses, key delivery partners and central government. We translate and signpost opportunities for business and other partners including funding.
To do this we have clear governance and transparency in our decision making – find out about our governance here.

Latest News

Mike Short to step down as Enterprise M3 LEP Chairman following civil service appointment

Move necessitated by Government’s requirement for LEPs to be led by private sector

Mike Short will remain as board member

Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), today announced that Dr Mike Short, CBE, will be stepping down as its Chairman following his recent appointment as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department for International Trade (DIT), a post within the civil service.

Mike Short’s new role as a civil servant means that he can no longer continue as the LEP’s Chairman, as he no longer meets the criteria of working in the private sector – which is a requirement for leading a LEP.

Mike will remain on the Enterprise M3 board where he will continue to champion his interests in science and technology and work with businesses and fellow board members to improve productivity and growth within the economy.

Commenting on the new development, Mike said:

“I have really enjoyed my role as the Chairman of such a high-performing LEP over the last four months and delighted to have seen us launch our consultation on a local industrial strategy to push-ahead with the LEP’s priorities. It is vital that the board is chaired by an influential leader from the private sector, reflecting the Government’s and our clear wish that the private sector play a key role in shaping our future economy. I am pleased to be staying on the board. We are in a promising position with the LEP being placed centre stage in leading on the industrial strategy alongside our key partners within local authorities, universities and of course business.

“We will be seeking my replacement in January 2018 along with 3 new private sector board members. I will remain as Chairman until March 2018 to allow for a smooth transition. It is an exciting time for a new leader to join the board and help build on the successes already achieved.”

Kathy Slack, Executive Director of Enterprise M3 said:

“It is disappointing to see Mike step down as our Chairman after such a short time. He is an inspirational leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the technology sector. He has opened my eyes and others to the vast opportunities that new technology will bring to all our lives and the economy. He may be stepping down from chairing the board but he will still be an active member of our board and will ensure that we continue to look to the future. His experience, industry contacts and vast business insights will continue to be great assets to Enterprise M3.”

Mike Short has been on the board of Enterprise M3 LEP since 2014, but became Chairman in August 2017. He played a key role in driving the LEP’s agenda for a strong digital economy to support innovation, productivity and competitiveness.

Mike has over 40 years in the electronics and communications sector working for BT and Telefónica. He is a former Chairman of the global GSM Association and UK Mobile Data Association, as well as a former President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. He is a co-founder of 5G innovation Centre (5GIC) at the University of Surrey, where he is also a visiting professor.